When the Celtics and Lakers face off, it is too good to overlook. Both teams will play their last regular season meeting of the year on Sunday, this time in Los Angeles.

It’s been mentioned before during my free NBA picks that these teams aren’t as good as they have been in recent years. Both teams however have a ton of pride and will want to make a statement on national television.

The Lakers come in as 6-point favorites. The problem I have with this spread is the fact Los Angeles has no one to stop Rajon Rondo. He’s been playing so well recently, even taking over a game against the Knicks a week ago.

Not only are there matchup problems, but there are also confidence problems. The Celtics have won six of their last seven games. Meanwhile, the Lakers have lost two of their last three games. Those two losses were to below .500 teams as well.

Expect the Celtics to keep it close, and maybe even win. Free NBA picks are tough during the week, but this playoff-like matchup on national television should be a great one. Expect both teams to bring their best overall effort.